Microsoft Ireland and SSE Airtricity have launched a new renewables project to enable schools to power classrooms using energy generated on their own roof.
The almost €1m investment will see the partners install and manage the internet-connected solar panels in 27 primary and secondary schools across Connaught, Leinster and Munster.
The panels are connected via Azure IoT to Microsoft Azure, a cloud computing platform.
Microsoft and SSE Airtricity said they identified the opportunity to build renewable energy solutions that would enable consumers to generate power from sustainable sources, using the existing grid connection on their premises.
The software tools aggregate and analyse real-time data on energy generated by the solar panels, demonstrating a mechanism for Microsoft and other corporations to achieve sustainability goals and reduce the carbon footprint of the power grid.
Over 15 years, it is expected that the solar panels will produce enough clean energy to offset approximately 2.1 million kilograms of C02 emissions.
Microsoft Ireland managing director Cathriona Hallahan said: “At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more.
“By harnessing the power of technology, we can live out our mission in a way that protects our planet and our local communities.
“We are delighted therefore to partner with SSE Airtricity on this important project.
“With an investment of close to €1m from the Microsoft Sustainability Fund, not only will 27 schools now power their classrooms using energy generated from their own rooftops, reducing their carbon footprint and costs, we will also look to prove the viability of distributed energy generation by aggregating and analysing real-time data on energy generated by the solar panels.
“Collectively we can take a step in the right direction and harness the power of innovative technology to help generate renewable energy and go some way towards offsetting carbon emissions.
“Through the installation of solar panels and the new data-driven insights from Microsoft’s Azure cloud, we look forward to enabling sustainable practices inside and outside the school gate.
“Working together, we hope to open up the energy saving and carbon reduction potential of rooftop solar across Ireland and perhaps one day across the world.”
SSE Airtricity managing director Klair Neenan said: “SSE Airtricity is proud to be Ireland’s largest generator and supplier of 100% green energy.
“Providing renewable energy solutions is in our DNA and we are delighted to partner with Microsoft Ireland on a project that will deliver real, tangible benefits for these 27 schools and their communities, supporting them on their decarbonisation journey.
“We are focused on delivering initiatives that will make a real difference in helping Ireland move a step closer to achieving our ambitious 2030 climate targets, while providing practical energy solutions that will support communities, businesses and policymakers on the collective path to net zero.
“This new collaborative project will allow students throughout Ireland to see first-hand how sustainability and renewable energy can combine to help fight climate change while also benefitting their school and community on a daily basis.”
A key objective of the project is to educate students about the role they can play in combatting climate change.
Digital screens have been set up in all 27 schools to enable the students to track energy use in real time and see the impact of the energy efficiency upgrades in their school.
Students from the schools will also participate in a programme designed to educate and inform young people about the challenges posed by climate change and the role technology can play in creating more sustainable communities across Ireland.
Currently in development, the three-part syllabus will cover a range of topics, including renewable energy, sustainability, and technology.
The lessons will be delivered through a series of interactive activities and challenges with the aim of bringing sustainability into daily school life.